Friday, May 28, 2010

News Items - May 31, 2010

1. NEXT MEETING: The next meeting is June 7 at 6:00 pm.

2. FINANCE DIRECTOR: Due to family circumstances, Finance and Administrative Services Director is resigning her position in September this year. Laurie worked with the city since November 2008 and will be missed. We wish her the best!!

A replacement committee consisting of council members Clark and Richardson, trustees Boone and Lester, General Manager Todd Kielkopf, HR Director RoxAnne Hunerdosse and myself will begin the process immediately.

A tentative schedule follows:

Week of May 24 Prepare Marketing Material
Week of May 31 Begin Advertising
June 25 Deadline
Week of June 28 Selection of Candidates
Week of July 12 Interview Candidates
Week of July 19 Make Offer

Progress reports will be provided on a regular basis.

3. TRAIL UPDATE: The trail will be substantial complete on May 30, 2010. The contractor TK Construction was able to complete the trail in the 30 working days. Final pay along with a change order, for high-early concrete design, will require council action in June. Final restoration and seeding will be completed this fall by the Park Department. Overall the quality and workmanship of the trail has been good.

4. AMPHITHEATER UPDATE: The majority of the grading is complete. The upper stairs and sidewalks are being completed. Footings are expected to start by June 1, 2010.

5. SOUTH Y: In the packet is information from South Y residents regarding the project. It has been forwarded to Garden & Associates, Mike Lyons.

6. DRAINAGE PROPOSAL: Chuck Burgin has a $5,200 quote from Vanderpool Construction to correct the drainage problems in front of Noble Ford. It will be on the June 7 agenda for council consideration.

7. HEALTH CARE REFORM: HR Director RoxAnne Hunerdosse reports the following Health Care Reform changes that will affect our plan:

2010
Temporary Reinsurance - early retiree expense reimbursement between $15,000-$90,000 until 2014 or when $5 Billion is expended

Extend dependent coverage through year dependent turns 26 even if married, grandfathered plans only have to cover dependents that do not have another source of employer-sponsored coverage.

No pre-existing condition exclusion for participants under 19 years

2011 All employers must include aggregate cost of employer-sponsored health benefits on W-2s (2011 Tax Year)

Over the counter drugs are no longer reimbursable under HRA or Flex Spending Accounts unless prescribed by physician

2012 1099s required to non-tax exempt corporate providers for property and services on payments over $600 made after December 31, 2011

Employers will be required to provide several different notices to employees about changes coming in 2014

2013 Cap of $2,500 per employee Flexible Spending Account

Employers must provide notice to their employees informing them of the existence of state-based exchanges (health insurance options)

New federal tax, equal to $2 per enrollee to fund comparative effectiveness research

2013 No pre-existing conditions for anyone

Each state required to create an Exchange (where individuals and groups can go to purchase health insurance)

Annual and lifetime limits removed

8. MUNICIPAL BUILDING: There are still delays on the lockers so the staff recommendation will be to extend the project completion date on June 7.

9. MCCORD PARK PLAY EQUIPMENT: Most of the equipment will be or has been removed by the Park Department due to concerns about reliability/safety. The two swings will remain until replacement equipment can be budgeted.

10. STREET REPLACEMENT PROJECT: At the January 19, 2010 meeting, council voted 4-3 to proceed with the 5-year street replacement project. Community Development Director Chuck Burgin will prepare a request for proposal and send it to 5 or 6 firms and a recommendation will be brought to council in July.

Tentative project schedule follows:
• June 10 Drill core samples of streets candidates
• July 10 Send RFP’s to engineers
• August 10 Start preliminary engineering
• November 10 Approve construction documents and assessment plats
• April 2011 Begin construction

11. SOUTH 19TH: Letters were sent to residents on May 27 regarding the tentative replacement of South 19th Court which is scheduled to begin June 7th.

12. TEMPORARY STRUCTURE: Community Development received a request to install a mobile ice cream structure along Hwy 65/69 north. Chuck is working with the owner to determine building code compliance, however because of several menu items to be sold the owner may seek council approval if not approved by the Community Development Director.

13. COMPLAINTS: To date the Community Development Department has received 38 complaints (24 weed/tall grass, 8 miscellaneous junk, 3 sidewalks, 2 trees and 1 odor). The properties that do not comply with the tall grass/weeds are mowed by the Community Development Department and the fees are placed on the property taxes.

14. SANITARY SEWER FEE: In your packet are tables showing Sanitary Sewer revenues/expenses, ending cash balances, Sewer Debt Obligation and sewer rate increases since 2002. If no increases are budgeted, the cash balance is projected to fall below zero at the end of next fiscal year. Staff will be recommending a sewer fee increase effective September 1, 2010.

A major reason for increase fees is the debt retirement for the approximate $9 million I&I Program. The fee increase will be placed on the June 7 agenda to set a hearing date for June 21.

Friday, May 21, 2010

News Items - May 24, 2010

1. NEXT MEETING: The next meeting is June 7 at 6:00 pm.

2. ON LINE BILLING: Beginning June 1, the city will change its online credit card processor so customers can create their own “secure” login to access their utility bill account thru the internet. Once a the login is created, customers can:

• View their bill online
• Pay their bill online immediately or schedule a payment
• Receive bills by email
• View graphs that show water/electric consumption

Not only will customers have the convenience of paying bills at home, but the Clerks Office will benefit from payments that are direct and do not require staff handling. Mailing costs should also decrease. The new feature will be advertised in the Record Herald, city newsletter, weekly flyer, cable channel and community message board.

Billing Clerk Lindsey Offenburger set up the system. Hats off to Lindsey!!

FYI—24 packs of return utility billing envelopes have been sent to customers since March.

3. STORM SIREN: Fire Chief Brian Seymour reports the storm siren on Country Club Road has not been working the past 30-45 days and repair attempts were not successful. The siren was struck by lightning and/or had a power surge that damaged the computer boards and the best alternative is to replace them for about $6,000. While our deductible is $10,000, there is an insurance reserve fund that will be used for the expense.

The siren should be functional within 30 days depending on arrival of parts.

4. PARK DEDICATION ORDINANCE: The revised ordinance will be placed on the June 12 committee agenda for review.

5. MEMORIAL POOL: The pool was painted and caulked in preparation for the coming season. While the caulking was contracted, staff did the painting for about $6,000 in materials. A contract to paint the pool would have been about $20,000. Hats off to Rec Supt Doug Bylund and staff!!

6. CORVETTE SHOW: The annual corvette show will be June 5 on the square beginning at 9:00 am.

7. TAX REVENUES: May tax revenues are at 99.16% and about .5% ahead of this time last year.

8. STORM WATER UTILITY: Veenstra and Kimm’s Greg Roth is finalizing information regarding average residential units (cost/single family dwelling) and equivalent residential units (cost/commercial and/or industrial property) for storm water runoff. In addition, a review of our storm water system will be underway in June to determine a need for repairs/improvements.

Information will be provided at the July 12 committee meeting.

9. CORRIDOR STUDY: Chuck Burgin and I met with Snyder reps and IDOT’s Brian Morrissey on the 18th to receive a progress report on the Hwy 65/69 Corridor Study north of Hillcrest. According to Snyder’s Mark Perington, the most efficient and economical option is a 4-lane divided highway with left turn lanes and a 32’median (current is 50’). The study will be finalized in the next few weeks and a presentation made to elected officials in July.

10. FIRE SAFETY: Another reminder if residents order delivery from Pizza Ranch on May 26 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm the Fire Dept will not only deliver it in one of our vehicles, the staff will check and replace smoke alarm batteries (if necessary). A very good program that will certainly benefit the community.

11. WORKERS COMP: HR/Risk Management Director RoxAnne Hunerdosse reports the city’s experience modification for Workers Compensation will decrease from .93 to .79 due to low claims (accidents) experience. The net affect is a near $12,000 premium decrease in FY 10/11. The efforts of Safety Director Mike Metcalf, the safety committee and others are paying dividends. Hats off to all!!

12. SOUTH PLANT PUMPS: The Sewer Department purchased 3 new lift station pumps from WILO EMU for the south plant in 2007. We have experienced upper bearing failure on the motors of the new pumps. There have been issues with the supplier standing by their warranty of the new pumps. John Hoyman has been asked to start reviewing correspondence between Wilo EMU and WPC.

13. MEMORIAL TRAIL: The trail is over 90% completed. We are still having difficulties with Qwest Communication removing their equipment from three poles on North 1st Street and East Franklin. We may have to suspend work after the contractor has completed remaining portion and restoration work of damaged areas. Unfortunately, the measured quantities are exceeding the engineer’s estimate. We will recheck the measurements to determine final quantities later next week.

Friday, May 14, 2010

News Items - May 17, 2010

1. SANITARY SEWER FEE: Per discussions during the budget process (see budget info), staff will be recommending a sewer fee increase effective September 1, 2010. In the packet are tables showing Sanitary Sewer revenues/expenses and ending cash balances. If no increases are budgeted, the cash balance is projected to fall below zero at the end of the year.

A major reason for increase fees is the debt retirement for the approximate $9 million I&I Program. The fee increase will be placed on the June 7 agenda to set a hearing date for June 21.

2. HANDBOOK: The trustees adopted the employee handbook changes at their meeting on May 10. They plan to discuss the employee sick leave program at their May 24 meeting. The handbook will be placed on the June 7 council agenda.

3. SMOKE ALARMS: In the packet is a press release from Brian Seymour that summarizes the importance of smoke alarms based on an actual incident. It is an excellent method to help improve safety and Brian is to be commended for the concept.

The release will be in the Record Herald and the city’s newsletter.

Brian also reports the department will also take part in a program (see memo) to promote smoke alarms on May 26. Brian checked with John Hoyman using Dept equipment is allowable.

4. PD: In the packet is a letter from Principal John Monroe thanking Steve Bonnett and the PD for their efforts during the bomb threat on May 7. Hats off to Steve and the Dept!!

5. WIND TURBINES: P&Z informally reviewed the wind turbine model ordinance and will formally review it at their June meeting. A recommendation will be brought to council in June.

6. NORTH 1ST SHARED SEWER SERVICE: We received a signed request to replace the shared service for 105/109 E. Iowa and 907 N 1st (see map). A meeting was held with these property owners on April 14 to explain the shared service and discuss options.

Supt Dan Miers is getting a quotes to line the shared service and install a manhole that will be brought to council for consideration in June.

7. MESSAGE BOARD: The community message board became functional on Friday and messages are being broadcast.

8. JOINT FUEL FACILITY: Per Steve Richardson’s comments several weeks ago about new gas pumps for the fuel facility on N 6th, a revised 28-E Agreement is being drafted. County Engineer Mark Lee reports the replacement cost is about $60,000 and will be paid by increasing the price/gallon about 5 cents. The revised 28-E will be brought to council when available.

The original agreement between the city, county and school was approved in 1994.

9. NORTH 9TH STREET: We received the signed agreement for the paving of North 9th in Lincoln Ridge as approved by council on May 3rd. An engineering proposal will be placed on the June 7 council agenda.

Friday, May 7, 2010

News Items - May 10, 2010

1. AMPHITHEATER: A groundbreaking ceremony will be held Saturday, May 15 at 10:00 am.

2. PARK DEDICATION: The revised ordinance will be on the June 14 committee agenda. Ivan Webber removed some of the fee language and also attempted to schedule a meeting with Charles Becker but Mr. Becker was not interested. His position is that Iowa Code Chapter 354.8 (allows land dedication as a condition of subdivisions) is not constitutional. However, the Home Builders Association has not challenged a city to date. The letter (packet) received by the city is one Mr. Becker sends to cities that consider the ordinance.

3. WIND TURBINE: In the packet is the Metro Advisory Council model wind turbine ordinance. P&Z will discuss it at their May 11 meeting and make a recommendation to council. Depending on preference, it can either be placed on a council or committee agenda.

4. TEST WELL: Joyce Godwin reports the 300’ geo-thermal test well was successful and the good news is the heat transfer is a little better than expected.

5. CORRIDOR STUDY: Traffic projections, capacity analysis and geometric needs are complete according to Snyder’s Mark Perrington. A meeting will be scheduled next week to discuss the results and roadway improvement specifics.

6. WARREN COUNTY PHILANTHROPIC GRANT: Good news!! The Community LED Sign was awarded $5,000, and the safety net at the Pickard softball fields and electric panel/outlets at the amphitheater received $4,600 and $5,000 respectively. Our thanks to Jennifer McCurdy and the grant committee!

7. 19th STREET: We are in the process of scheduling the replacement and reconstruction. Our hope is to have the project completed in May. However, Priority Excavation cannot remove until June. We have requested a specific time period from Priority and hope to have it next week.

8. W EUCLID: The Supreme Court will read briefs on the W Euclid assessment suit on May 18. Ivan Webber estimates a decision could take 6-12 months for a decision.

9. LOT: The Public Safety Storage Building lot is 101’ x 165’.

10. LINCOLN RIDGE AGREEMENT: Based on correspondence this week, it appears the owners will approve the paving assessment agreement although we have yet to receive it.

11. SIDEWALK WAIVERS: The sidewalk waiver discussion will be on the June 14 committee agenda. Chuck Burgin has been occupied inspecting the trail from Memorial Park to McVey.

12. TRAIL: Work has been completed from the Memorial Pool parking lot to the NW corner of Franklin and North First. We anticipate the project will be complete by the end of May provided Qwest Communications removes their equipment from poles within the next week.

13. FAIRGROUND NOISE: I asked John Hoyman to prepare a summary on noise issues and the fairgrounds. Iowa Code provides some immunity to fair boards regarding certain city ordinances. John’s information will be provided when received.

14. TAX REVENUES: Tax revenues are nearly 3% ahead of this time last year. Good news!!

15. MEDIACOM CHANNELS: Mediacom reports they’ve added a new HD channel KFPX on 810.

16. HANDBOOK: In the packet is a color-coded summary of the employee handbook recommended changes. There are no new employee benefits included in the recommendations. The trustees will consider the handbook at their May 10th meeting and it will be placed on the May 17th council agenda.

17. LT. GOVERNOR JUDGE: Lt. Governor Patty Judge will be visiting preschools in Indianola next week to highlight the Culver/Judge Administration’s commitment to expanding Iowa’s voluntary preschool program. She will be at Whittier Elementary School on May 10 at 10:30 a.m.